Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will report on the additional bio security measures he is considering to address the escalating number of trees affected by ash disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50609/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department has surveyed for Chalara fraxinea since 2008. The first finding of the disease was confirmed on 12 October 2012 in County Leitrim. My Department has been resolute in its efforts to stop the spread of this disease and to prevent further infection. The consignment, made up of some 30,000 plants imported from continental Europe was planted over 11 sites. The ash trees at each of these 11 sites were cut and destroyed by burning without delay last month.

Voluntary measures agreed with forestry stakeholders, the nursery sector and hurley makers to prevent the importation of infected material from the continent have now been superseded by robust legislation. This legislation, introduced simultaneously with Northern Ireland, makes it an offence to import plants from areas known to have Chalara fraxinea. Furthermore, the movement of plants within the country is now also subject to plant passport requirements. Additional legislation was also introduced which control ash wood movement into Ireland, including firewood and hurley ash. Under the legislation ash wood may enter the State if (1) it comes from an area free of the disease or (2) its free of outer round surface (including bark) or (3) its kiln dried below 20% moisture.

In terms of future actions, site surveys of the ash estate are continuing this week. These surveys on the health of our ash trees will focus on sites which are at most risk from infection. These will include recently planted forests which used material imported ash plants from the continent. Examinations of ash imported wood and planting material will also be increased to enforce recently enacted legislation.

In relation to specific biosecurity measures to be observed where the disease is suspected or where ash surveys are being carried out the Department currently recommend the following hygiene measures. In relation to footwear it is recommended to wash off all soil and plant debris from boots. Boots should then be sprayed with disinfectant and used water should be disposed of onto an area where the water will not run into a watercourse. In relation to clothing it is recommended to check all clothing and remove any plant material. Soil and plant debris should be washed off all tools and equipment with disinfectant.

Forest owners, forest nursery staff and members of the public have been asked by my Department to be vigilant for the disease and report (with photographs if possible), any sites where there are concerns about unusual ill health in ash trees to the Forest Service.